Patient’s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis

Introduction

It’s important to think about religion and spirituality while seeking medical help. However, these aspects may not be the most important aspects for healthcare providers to consider. Every individual has a unique set of religious, spiritual, and philosophical predispositions. Healthcare professionals are expected to practice their job, although their religious views are important for their work. Decisions should always be made ethically and balanced so that patients get prompt medical attention (Lawrence, 2007). As seen in James’ case study, this would assist in preventing the issues above. Healing and promoting health are at the core of the nursing profession’s guiding principles. Human life is priceless since it was created in the image of God. Those who treat us can do so because God has given them the expertise and resources necessary to do so. As a result, we must maintain a healthy lifestyle by including religious and medical components. On the other hand, this case examines how a parent’s choice about their son’s health condition impacts their family.

Question 1

Following the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, which guide how doctors must provide their services to benefit patients to the greatest extent possible, Mike should not be allowed to continue making judgments that he feels are unreasonable and detrimental to James, according to the doctor. The beneficence concept calls for balancing the advantages of therapy with the associated costs and dangers, while non-maleficence calls for putting the patient’s well-being first (Bavinck & Sutanto, 2019). The doctors are obliged to make sure that the potential damage does not outweigh the therapeutic benefit in cases where the therapy might be seen to cause injury, as in James’ case, when his twin brother Samuel donated a kidney to him. Respecting a patient’s autonomy may need to adhere to the beneficence and non-maleficence principles, in particular, situations (Kabbur, 2013). For example, in the circumstances under consideration, the doctor will be obligated to provide James with the much-needed kidney transplant even if Mike does not want to have it carried out. James This is because, notwithstanding Mike’s discomfort, the physician must guarantee that the patient does not suffer any more injury due to the patient’s inability to get medical care.

• Sickness and health

The Christian perspective of illness is an inevitable part of life that no one can avoid. Fortitude, character, and hope may all be fostered through sickness, according to Bibilica Inc. in 2011, according to Romans 5:3-4. Because we’re all God’s children, he’s always there for us while we’re going through tough times. Even though God doesn’t want anybody to become sick, environmental conditions are a major source of sickness for many individuals. In this particular instance, although James was born perfectly healthy, a throat infection was the most frequent reason for his kidney failure. One cannot please God unless one has faith. Anyone seeking him must have faith in his existence and in his promise to repay those who seek him with diligence. Having a great deal of trust in God is crucial for healing (Hebrews 11:6). As long as God doesn’t promise us healing, he’ll vow to save us. Since God has promised to rescue us, prayer may give people hope for a future, according to Dr. Mariottini (2018). God’s presence will provide comfort and hope to those who suffer from illness or injury.

• Medical intervention

When individuals are sick, Christians should think that God has given them medical assistance as a gift. The doctor and the medication are divinely sent healers (Mariottini, 2018). We should have faith in the collective strength of medical intervention and religious belief. Don’t wait to see a doctor if you’re ill, according to Sirach in Chapter 38: “Sickness and Death,” since God grants physicians knowledge and insight.

• Recommendation Action for Mike

As a result of Shelly and Miller (2006)’s contention that it is against God’s purpose if our faith choices may bring about the cessation of suffering, Mike’s decision for James misinterprets the Biblical story. His worldview is completely at odds with the universal laws of good and evil. A kidney transplant or hemodialysis may help save James’ life, and Mike should trust the doctor to make such decisions. As medical experts, Mike should consider them as God’s messengers, aiding him in his healing mission. Samuel, the identical twin of James, is a perfect candidate for a kidney transplant and may have been designated by God as a donor. Christian philosophy views organ donation as an act of love based on Jesus’ example. No parent wants to watch their child undergo major surgery at a young age for organ transplantation. In certain cases, this is important for the whole family’s good. Accordingly, it would be best for James if Samuel could give one of his kidneys. To preserve James’ life, Samuels may have to give up a kidney he doesn’t have. According to the National Kidney Foundation, a single kidney may still lead to a healthy and normal life. However, certain issues to consider, such as high blood pressure.

Spiritual Needs Assessment

James is in physical pain, and Mike is in spiritual pain since he cannot decide his son’s medical treatment. Seeing James’ condition deteriorate, Mike feels that God is punishing him for not believing in him and that this is God’s punishment for Mike’s unbelief. It is important to consider the patient’s spiritual needs while delivering medical treatment since everyone’s religious beliefs, physical health, and sickness are different. Doctor Wilson may avoid a kidney transplant for James by using this diagnostic technique from the start. Patients who are feeling spiritual pain should be treated with careful attention, according to Anandarajah (2005). The doctor would discover Mike’s true intentions for his sons and develop solutions tailored to their needs after a spiritual examination. Health care providers may use HOPE questions to understand better patients’ and families’ perspectives on suffering while conducting a spiritual assessment (Anandarajah, 2005). When Dr. Wilson does a spiritual examination, he can better understand Mike’s viewpoints and values to present Samuel as an option for a kidney donation. In addition, the doctor may ask Mike questions such as, “How does your faith cope with illness?” from the Joint Commission’s Spiritual Assessment to build Mike’s confidence. Can you tell me how you feel about pain? An experienced Clinical Pastor may work with Mike’s physician to help him feel more at ease about allowing a kidney transplant and give him a fresh perspective on God’s plan for his recovery. It is useful for doctors and patients to undergo a spiritual examination since it may help them better comprehend each other’s viewpoints. Using this technology in the right way may help doctors provide better patient outcomes (Anandarajah, 2005).

Conclusion

A person’s religious beliefs may significantly influence their medical decisions. Healthcare employees encounter a variety of moral and ethical quandaries; thus, they should be trained in spiritual needs assessment to give their clients more compassionate and high-quality treatment. The HCP can fulfill the patient’s needs to the greatest extent feasible by understanding and respecting the patient’s religious and philosophical views. Physicians and patients alike may benefit from a spiritual examination since it helps them better comprehend one other’s perspectives. Patients would benefit from the tool’s efficiency and improved results if used properly.

References

Anandarajah, G. (2005). Doing a Culturally Sensitive Spiritual Assessment: Recognizing Spiritual Themes and Using the HOPE Questions. Virtual Mentor,7(5). doi: 10.1001/virtualmentor.2005.7.5.cprl1-0505

Bavinck, H., & Sutanto, N. G. (2019). Christian worldview. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway.

Biblica Inc. (2011). Romans 5:3-4 New International Version. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans 5:3-4&version=NIV

Kabbur, G. (2013). American Medical Association Journal of Ethics.

Lawrence DJ. (2007). The four principles of biomedical ethics: a foundation for current bioethical debate. Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, (14), 34–40. Retrieved from https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=ccm&AN=105887311&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Mariottini, C (2018) A Christian Perspective on Illness. (2018, July 13). Retrieved from https://claudemariottini.com/2018/07/19/a-christian-perspective-on-illness/.

Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to care: A Christian worldview for nursing (2nd ed.).